What can your Noche Buena look like?

Putting a unique twist in this year’s Christmas feast

by Mayren Guico and Nina Tambal / December 18, 2020

It has always been a Filipino thing to start reveling in the Christmas spirit the minute September arrives. And this year is no different. In true Pinoy style, netizens have flooded news feeds with hilarious JMC (Jose Mari Chan) memes and bopped to festive songs. 2020 has been tough for everyone, but it’s proving that we are tougher and stronger despite the seemingly endless obstacles thrown at us.

Filipinos are also not ones to shy away from matters of the stomach (and the heart, but we will save that for another article). With the holidays fast approaching, it’s about time you start preparing for your menu this coming Noche Buena. So, what dishes can you make that isn’t a repeat from last year’s feast? What unique recipes will keep the festive vibes going for you and your family? Here are some non-traditional but just as scrumptious foods you can add to your Noche Buena spread!

Appetizers

Mini Lasagna Rolls

Now, we know that spaghetti is a staple appetizer during any Filipino celebration, whether it’s birthdays or Noche Buenas. But we thought it’d be nice to try something just as comforting and mouthwatering.

Another pasta dish, mini lasagna rolls (or you can go all out with regular lasagna roll-ups) can serve as a great alternative to the iconic spaghetti. It’s cheesy, it can be savory as well as sweet, it’s well-loved by kids, and most importantly, it’s delicious. That’s what it all boils down to. Buon appetito!

Baked Salmon and Cream Cheese Croquettes

We Filipinos love carbs. And there is no better opportunity to feast on them without a care in the world than during Christmas!

Baked salmon and cream cheese croquettes may be a bit out there for some, but we think it’s a great dish that breaks away from the usual queso de bola with crackers or sandwich. If you’d like to retain a sliver of tradition in your Noche Buena spread though, you’re welcome to replace the cream cheese in the recipe with queso de bola bits (disclaimer: it’s something we have yet to try, so we are not liable for any cooking fails. Then again, don’t knock it till you try it!).

Main dishes

Paella-stuffed Bellychon

Alas, the star of the night (besides baby Jesus)! What is Noche Buena without lechon? Or at least, a variation of it.

This year, try to put a twist into your lechon or lechon belly dish by making a paella-stuffed bellychon! Even if it’s going to be a lot more work than usual, we promise that it will be worth it. Just imagine biting into that crispy skin, then relishing the spices of the paella rice, and tasting the tender meat that serves as the cherry on top of this scrumptious pork delicacy.

Oxtail Kare-kare

On every Filipino occasion, you’ll normally find this delicious dish sitting in a corner getting ogled by everyone.

What would make your Noche Buena better than the drool-worthy oxtail kare-kare laid out? The oxtail meat that seems to melt and thaw against your mouth and the sauce that will bring you to absolute heaven with its creamines, brings paradise to the table on Christmas Eve.

Desserts

Ube Pie

With Noche Buena coming to town, light up your Christmas lights, grab your notepad and pen, and write down the recipe for one of the best desserts there is: ube!

Who wouldn’t want the oh so crunchy crust, oh so creamy ube custard resting in your oven, filling your home with its tantalizing and sweet aroma? You know you’re truly opening the door for the holidays as you put this center masterpiece in your Noche Buena spread. Prepare to share all sorts of stories with your loved ones, because this dessert will surely make you sit at the table for a very long time; you will never get enough of this yummy ube pie dessert.

Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bites

Who doesn’t like tiny bites of yogurt topped with their favorite fruit? After eating a filling cake, how about having…. a light dessert?

Let’s face it, we are all going to be stuffing our faces during Noche Buena. So, a dessert like this gives us a chance to say “Hey, I ate something healthy!” (despite every other dish you had that might cancel it out but hey, yes to happiness, right?). Revel in the healthy goodness of frozen yogurt in a cupcake tray, matched with little bite-sized fruits this coming holiday!

Christmas may look different this year, but we know that these special Christmas dishes will surely spark everyone’s holiday spirit. However you and your family wish to celebrate it, Noche Buena is truly one of the Filipino holiday traditions that will never fail to bring us joy and give meaning to this beautiful season – together or apart.

Read also:

• Here are the perfect Christmas gifts for every type of person in your life
• Kaon na ta! Celebrating the Cebuano spirit of food and community
• Loving local with a twist